Nicotine Whispers: 2026 | Weeks 7 & 8
Alchem NicSelect™ Nicotine Whispers
Welcome to Nicotine Whispers – a biweekly news digest on global developments in nicotine and tobacco, compiled by Alchem NicSelect™ in collaboration with PharmaCompass.
Stay informed on the latest regulations, market trends, and insights shaping the NGND industry.
Weeks 7 and 8 Highlights:
Sweden
Haypp Reports 15% Q4 Sales Growth as Nicotine Pouch Volumes Soar
Haypp Group’s Q4 2025 net sales rose 15% YoY to SEK 1,052 million, driven by a 28% increase in nicotine pouch volumes, highlighting strong momentum in the US and UK markets.
USA
PMI Begins Mass Production of ZYN at Aurora Facility
PMI’s new Aurora, Colorado plant, a $600 million investment, starts large-scale ZYN nicotine pouch production, creating 500 direct jobs. The facility supports rapid demand growth, with ZYN holding an estimated 70–80% of the U.S. nicotine pouch market.
USA
Supreme Court Voids IEEPA Tariffs; New 10% Global Tariff Planned
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that IEEPA cannot be used to impose tariffs, nullifying previous duties on cigars from Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua. President Trump plans a new 10% global tariff under the Trade Act of 1974 and additional Section 301 measures.
USA
Nicotine Gains Popularity Among Biohackers and Wellness Influencers
Biohackers, athletes, and wellness influencers are promoting nicotine pouches and drinks as cognitive enhancers and “performance tools,” despite limited evidence of benefits and potential addiction risks. FDA warnings and legal grey areas highlight concerns about nonsmokers, especially youth, experimenting with these products.
UK
Imperial Brands Partners with Capgemini to Embed AI Across Operations
Imperial Brands forms a global partnership with Capgemini to integrate AI into its enterprise operations, enhancing consumer insights, sales, and innovation. The move positions AI as a core infrastructure in the evolving nicotine industry.
China
Chinese Vape Manufacturers Plan Coordinated Export Price Hike
Major Chinese vape producers, representing over 80% of the country’s manufacturing capacity, announced plans to raise export prices by up to 13%, citing raw material and compliance costs.
Austria
Austria to Allow Nicotine Pouches from April
Austria will permit sales of nicotine pouches under age limits, product standards, and state oversight starting April 2026. Consumer groups urge Germany to adopt clear regulations to protect adults and ensure quality and youth safeguards.
Singapore
Singapore Hikes Tobacco Duty 20%
From 12 February 2026, Singapore raised excise duty on all tobacco products by 20%, including cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco. The move continues a series of tax hikes aimed at reducing smoking rates and funding public health measures.
UK
BAT FY2025: Smokeless Share Hits 18.2% as New Categories Grow
BAT reported £25.61 billion revenue in 2025, with New Categories up 5.5% and smokeless products reaching 18.2% of group revenue.
EU
EU Scales Back Tobacco Tax Rise
The EU has revised its tobacco tax plan, lowering proposed minimum rates for cigarettes, heated tobacco, and e-liquids after member state pushback. The changes delay implementation and reduce health ambition, prompting criticism from public health groups.
USA
Manufacturers Urge FDA for Benchmarks and Better Communication
Vaping product manufacturers told the FDA that clearer performance benchmarks and more dialogue are needed to make studies cost-effective and predictable. Regulators emphasized that clinical data on nicotine delivery and addiction remain essential for public health decisions.
UK
UK Urges Vaping Firms to Register for New Excise Duty
HMRC reminds manufacturers, importers, and warehouses to apply from April 1, 2026, for the Vaping Products Duty, effective October 1 at £2.20/10ml. A Vaping Duty Stamps scheme will start April 2027, with stamps supplied by Cartor Security Printers.
Estonia
Estonian Groups Push for Disposable Vape Ban by 2027
A coalition of 50 organizations is urging the Estonian government to ban single-use e-cigarettes by 2027, citing youth health risks, nicotine addiction, and environmental waste. Public support for the measure includes over 2,000 signatures collected in 2025.